GET THERE BY BUS
Heading our direction? Catch a ride.
LEARN THE BASICS
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Fares and Passes
Metrobus fares start at $2.25 and are paid with cash or SmarTrip® card upon boarding; daily, weekly, and monthly discounted bus passes are available as well. Other local bus services may also accept SmarTrip® card, though prices may vary. Buy SmarTrip® cards online, at any Metrorail station, or at many convenient locations.
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Transfers and Connections
If you use more than one bus to reach your destination, use a SmarTrip®card to receive a free bus-to-bus transfer within a two-hour period. If connecting to Metrorail, enjoy a discounted fare. No transfer discounts are provided with cash fare payment.
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Motorcoaches
DDOT and Destination DC offer a one-stop-shop for all motorcoach and group tour operators visiting the District. Call the hotline for information on parking, permitting, routing and more! 1.855.67-BUSES (28737)
METRO'S BRAND NEW BUS NETWORK
Navigate the Better Bus Network
On June 29, WMATA launched its new bus network, designed to improve reliability, increase frequency, and simplify routes across the region. All Metrobus routes now have updated names and schedules, and some stops may be different. Explore the Better Bus page to discover your new route, plan a trip, or subscribe to Better Bus Dispatch for the latest updates and service alerts.
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
Operated by the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA), Metrobus services the DC metro area, connecting with other local transit providers.
RESOURCES
DASH
Most DASH routes connect with either Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). This service also operates the King Street Trolley, with access to King St-Old Town Metro station.
RESOURCES
ART
ART operates in neighborhoods throughout Arlington that are not serviced by Metrobus and helps to increase the frequency of buses on crowded Metrobus routes. All ART routes connect to Metro stations located throughout Arlington County.
RESOURCES
CUE
The City of Fairfax City-University Energysaver (CUE) bus system provides regularly scheduled, low-cost transportation services to George Mason University, shopping centers, and other locations within the City of Fairfax, as well as the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail Station.
This daily bus system services Fairfax County and connects to Metrorail’s Blue, Orange, and Yellow Lines.
Loudoun County Commuter Bus
Weekday rush hour bus service is available to Washington, DC, Crystal City, the Pentagon, and Rosslyn from Park ‘N Ride lots in Loudoun County.
PRTC OmniRide
OmniRide, a service of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), offers weekday bus services to the District and various Metrorail stations in Northern Virginia.
RTA
RTA services Central Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, City of Laurel, and Northern Prince George’s County.
RESOURCES
Ride On
The Ride On bus network services Montgomery County, MD providing riders with access to numerous Metrorail and Metrobus lines and an easy way to get into DC.
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) commuter buses provide shuttle bus service to the District. Companies under contract are Dillon Bus Service, Eyre Bus Service, Keller Transportation, and Martz/Gold Line.
RESOURCES
TheBus
Bus service in Prince George’s County, MD operating on weekdays with stops across the county and to numerous Metrorail stations.
The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services provides shuttle service to members of the College Park. While some routes require a UMD ID to ride, the routes below are open to the public.
CONNECTIONS TO DC
- 104 College Park: Stamp Student Union-SLIP to College Park Metro
- 109 River Road: American Center for Physics to College Park Metro
- Greyhound Bus
Greyhound buses depart from Union Station bus depot, accessible from Metrorail’s Red Line.
- Megabus
Provides service throughout the East Coast and beyond as far west as Toronto, Buffalo, NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Knoxville, TN. Departs from Union Station bus depot via Metrorail’s Red Line.
- Sprinter Bus
Express bus service between DC and New York City and Norfolk, VA. Departs from the Union Station bus depot, accessible by Metrorail’s Red Line.
- Washington Deluxe
Provides daily express bus service between DC and New York City. Departs from Union Station bus depot, accessible by Metrorail’s Red Line.
- FlixBus
Departs from Union Station and provides direct routes to destinations all across the country.
Recent Blogs
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DC Runs on Movement: How Commuter Benefits Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Are you tired of spending too much money getting to work? Commuting in the District doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right resources, you can save money for the things that matter most, whether that’s groceries, travel, or everyday expenses. Through employer-sponsored commuter benefits programs, DC commuters have access to a wide range... View Article
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Help Your Employees Welcome Spring!
Spring is right around the corner (March 20), and it is almost time for blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer evenings thanks to daylight saving time. After months of snow, chilly days, and darker commutes, this season invites us to step outside, soak up the sun, and shake up our routines, which includes the way we get around. Spring is... View Article
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Welcome Spring by Rethinking Your Commute!
Spring is right around the corner (March 20), and it is almost time for blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer evenings thanks to daylight saving time. After months of snow, chilly days, and darker commutes, this season invites us to step outside, soak up the sun, and shake up our routines, which includes the way we get around. Spring is the... View Article
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Pedal, Stroll, or Ride: Sustainable Date Night Ideas
Valentine’s Day may be over, but date night in the District is always worth celebrating. Whether you are planning a cozy dinner, an activity-filled evening, or something spontaneous just because, DC offers plenty of ways to keep the romance going all month long. To help you plan a night that feels special from start to... View Article
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Less Gas, More Candy: Sustainable Trick or Treat Tips in the District
Halloween in the District is a time for costumes, candy, and creativity, but it doesn’t have to mean more cars on the road. Whether you’re walking through neighborhood streets for trick or treating or attending special events across the city, there are plenty of ways to commute smarter, not harder. By choosing walking, biking, scooting,... View Article
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Trip Planning Tools and Apps for Sustainable Transportation in DC
Navigating public transportation in DC, especially with ongoing changes from the Better Bus Network, can be overwhelming for both commuters and visitors. Frequent route updates, new signage, and shifting schedules often leave people confused and frustrated, pushing many to drive instead of using more sustainable options. Trip planning tools and apps take the guesswork out... View Article
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Part III: Clean Commutes to DC-Based Cafés and Coffee Shops
This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.
As they say, all good things must come to an end, right? While this will be the final piece of our blog series, the list of Washington, DC coffee shops is ongoing and here to stay! You never know what new shop will pop up in the city, so stay on the lookout. In the meantime, goDCgo recommends reviewing these local cafés below and grabbing your next cup of joe by foot, bike, bus, streetcar, or Metro. And in case you missed it, you can still check out Part I and Part II of this series for even more coffee stops.
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Part II: Clean Commutes to DC-Based Cafés and Coffee Shops
This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.
Now that the weather is cooler, there's nothing like a hot cup of coffee to warm you up! Even if you prefer iced over hot, black, with or without cream, or any variation in between, Washington, DC has plenty of spots to get a quality cup of joe. And since the city has so many staple coffee shops and cafés, goDCgo encourages you to take a tour of all of them! Continue following our blog series to discover more of DC's popular coffee spots and learn about the best ways to get to each of them by bike, bus, or Metro. Stay tuned for more café commutes to come!
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Quick Getaways to Enjoy Via Transit
This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.
Does getting away from the city sound enticing, but the thought of driving makes you wince? Did you know you can take a quick day or weekend trip by using local or regional transit? Whether you want to travel a few miles or plan for something a bit farther away, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find several destinations highlighted that you can easily get to. It doesn’t matter if you are a solo traveler or a group, let us show you how easy it can be to hop on transit. All you need to do is pick a destination!
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Accessible Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities
goDCgo is here to support sustainable transportation needs for all DC commuters and residents, regardless of age, ability, or income. In addition to providing complimentary resources about the alternative travel options available in the District, we have information on affordable, easily-accessible programs that can break down transportation barriers and help those with special mobility needs get to/from their communities and around the city. From adaptive vehicles, to shared rides, to the Metro, there's no limit to where you can go.
